By Jake Donovan
BIRMINGHAM—Danny Garcia came into town simply anticipating his role as expert analyst for this weekend’s edition of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Fox. What he didn’t expect was to have to offer an explanation for a fight that never really had a chance of taking place next.
Most people in town are talking about Deontay Wilder fighting in his home state – and in this very city – for the third time in the past 13 months, all with his portion of the heavyweight crown at stake. The fighting pride of Tuscaloosa – less than an hour away – will defend versus veteran contender Chris Arreola live in primetime (Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. local time), with Garcia in town to serve as part of the Fox commentating panel.
The unbeaten former World super lightweight champ and reigning welterweight beltholder is normally reserved when it comes to the media, with the latest hot topic justifying that stance. He found himself innocently talking to a small group of reporters, when the discussion of Manny Pacquiao’s rumoured ring return, targeted for late October or early November.
With Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and adviser Al Haymon now suddenly discussing business on a regular basis, Pacquiao now has a wider selection of opposition from which to choose than has been the case for the better part of the past 10 years of an otherwise historic career. Among the names offered, apparently, was Garcia, who innocently confirmed an offer was made to his team.
“My dad (Angel, who is also Garcia’s trainer) told me that an offer was made by (Pacquiao’s team), something like $3-4 million,” Garcia stated in the vicinity of a small group of reporters that included USA Today’s Mike Coppinger, Fohht Hub TV's MarcosVillegas (also a researcher for Fox and FS1) and BoxingScene.com.
What has since taken place was his being publicly questioned as to why he’d turn down what many believe is more than sufficient compensation for what these days is a winnable fight.
Pacquiao - a two-term Congressman in the Philippines province of Sarangani - had long served as among the very best boxers in the world, but shut everything down following his rubber match with Timothy Bradley Jr. in April to concentrate on a Senatorial bid in his native Philippines. He easily landed one of the 12 open seats available in the May general election, coming with the insistence that he was done with boxing as that level of politics frowns upon carrying two full-time jobs.
It has since been learned that there exists wiggle room for a fight this fall without having to take a leave of absence from his newfound position. From there came the offer to several candidates, including Garcia and former four-division titlist Adrien Broner, the latter whom turned down a significant order while nothing is presently in queue.
As for Garcia, the same cannot be said. Whatever the specific dollar amount offered, it’s not being left on the table while wondering what’s next in his career.
The perception is that he’s been on the bench since winning a welterweight title in a 12-round decision over Robert Guerrero this past January, in the inaugural edition of PBC on Fox. The reality – for those aware of his next career moves – is that he’s not at all concerned about the road ahead.
“I know what I have going on and it will come out at the right time,” Garcia later explained to BoxingScene.com. “Right now we are looking to return to the ring – I’ll say in the fall. We’re looking at September, but it’s definitely in the near future.”
The way he sees it, a Manny Pacquiao event is a life-changing fight that should carry life-changing money. For whatever financial package was presented to his team, it doesn’t blow away what he’s previously earned and what he stands to make in the near future for already discussed business.
Besides, it’s never been his job to find an opponent; just to figure out what to do with whomever is lined up for him.
“I'm not worried about looking for a future opponent. I don't ever worry about that stuff,” Garcia states. “My job is to fight, not to look for the fights. I have the best team in the sport doing that for me, we all have our role. My role is to beat everyone in my path and it’s what I keep doing.”
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox_v2